NCAA Tournament

Virginia Basketball Coach Bennett Helped Off Court in Pain

No. 1 seed Virginia reported that the coach was dehydrated, and he returned for the second half

Virginia coach Tony Bennett fell to the floor during the final minute of the first half of the Cavaliers' first-round NCAA Tournament game against Hampton.

Bennett fell with 34.1 seconds left after Anthony Gill hit a layup through contact, as the Cavaliers were putting the finishing touches on the game-deciding run. Virginia went on to beat Hampton 81-45.

Bennett sat on the bench and talked to his assistants for a few moments after collapsing and looked to be in noticeable pain. Team trainers helped him to the locker room with 5.3 seconds left in the half and both teams still on the court.

Virginia fans gave him a loud ovation when he returned. Bennett spent the rest of the game sitting either on the bench or on a stool near the scorer's table instead of crouching on the sideline.

Virginia reported that Bennett was dehydrated, and he was back for the second half. His team had no problems advancing to face ninth-seeded Butler (22-10) on Saturday.

Copyright The Associated Press
Contact Us